DEAR GOD: You Are My Advocate & Savior~

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“My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous,”

1 John 2:1


As we journey through life, we often encounter moments of weakness and temptation. The verse from 1 John 2:1, “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous,” offers us profound comfort and guidance. This message is a heartfelt reflection on this scripture, meant to encourage and uplift you in your walk with the Lord.


Understanding the Verse

John addresses us as “little children,” a term of endearment that signifies his deep care and concern for our spiritual well-being. He writes to remind us of the importance of striving to live a sinless life. However, he acknowledges our human frailty and reassures us that when we do falter, we have an advocate in Jesus Christ.


Moral Thoughts

This verse calls us to a higher standard of living, one that seeks to avoid sin. It reminds us that our actions matter and that we should strive to reflect Christ in all we do. Yet, it also offers hope and reassurance. Jesus, our advocate, stands before the Father on our behalf, interceding for us. His righteousness covers our imperfections, allowing us to approach God with confidence.


Reflective Questions

  1. In what areas of my life am I most susceptible to sin, and how can I seek God’s strength to overcome these temptations?
  2. How does knowing that Jesus is my advocate change the way I approach my relationship with God?
  3. What steps can I take to live a life that more closely reflects the teachings of Christ?

Supporting Scriptures

  • Romans 8:34:Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.”
  • Hebrews 7:25: “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.”
  • 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Closing Prayer

“Heavenly Father, we come before You with humble hearts, grateful for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You for His sacrifice and for His role as our advocate. Help us to live lives that honor You, striving to avoid sin and to reflect Your love in all we do. When we fall short, remind us of Your grace and forgiveness. Strengthen our faith and guide us in our daily walk with You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.


Scripture to Ponder for the Day

Psalm 103:12: “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.”


May the Word of our Father, and His everlasting promises bring you peace and encouragement as you continue to grow in your faith. Remember, we are all on this journey together, supported by the love and grace of our Savior. In Christ Love and light – God bless you~

Psalm 23 Photograph by Samuel Epperly

 

 

DEAR GOD: Help Me To Be Obedient, Patient & Resilient~

 

Christian Modesty: Bible Verse OTD: Obedience

The Love of Mother Mary for Christ:
A Reflection of Divine Obedience, Patience, and Attitude

The love of a mother is a profound and sacred bond, one that transcends the bounds of the earthly realm and touches the divine. In the Christian tradition, no love is more venerated than that of Mother Mary for her son, Jesus Christ. Her love is not just a maternal affection; it is a testament to unwavering obedience, boundless patience, and a gracious attitude that every follower of Christ is called to emulate.

Obedience in Love –

Mary’s journey began with an act of supreme obedience. When the angel Gabriel announced that she would conceive a son by the Holy Spirit, she responded, “I am the Lord’s servant… May your word to me be fulfilled” (Luke 1:38). This was not a passive submission, but a courageous acceptance of God’s will, knowing the challenges that lay ahead.

Patience in Suffering Throughout Christ’s life, Mary exhibited extraordinary patience. She pondered the angel’s words in her heart (Luke 2:19), patiently waiting for the unfolding of God’s plan. At the foot of the cross, her patience was the ultimate test as she witnessed her son’s crucifixion, fulfilling Simeon’s prophecy that a sword would pierce her own soul (Luke 2:35).

Attitude of Grace Mary’s attitude was one of grace and humility. She considered herself blessed among women (Luke 1:48) yet she never sought glory for herself. Her focus was always on her Son and his mission. Even at the wedding at Cana, her gentle nudge to Jesus, “They have no wine,” (John 2:3) showed her compassionate concern for others, an attitude that all followers of Christ should aspire to.

Reflecting Mary’s Love in our Lives As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect Mary’s love in our lives. Her obedience inspires us to listen to God’s voice and follow His will, even when it leads us down difficult paths. Her patience reminds us to trust in God’s timing, and her attitude teaches us to serve others with humility and grace.

  • How can we show obedience to God’s will in our daily lives?
  • In what ways can we demonstrate patience during trials and tribulations?
  • How can we cultivate an attitude of service and humility like Mary?

“Dear Father, may I embody the love of Mother Mary for Christ in my own life. May I be obedient to God’s call, patient in sufferings, and gracious in attitude. May the Holy Spirit guide me to live out these virtues, following the example of the Blessed Mother -Father, may I draw closer to Your Son, our Lord in all I do and say, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

DEAR GOD: LOVE & THANKS FOR YOUR HELP~

 

Praise ye the LORD, and keep His way, and He shall exhalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it. (Psalm 112:1 KJV)

The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And, if children, then heirs; heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together.  (Romans 8:16-17 KJV)

 

I realize that God is with us through all kinds of scenarios and have discovered that to be true too numerous to count and today I had a moment where I was exceedingly frustrated.   My computer wasn’t recognizing my password and therefore wasn’t allowing me to get in. After several attempts “login failed…password unknown” I took a deep breath. I shut down and tried to get by safe mode and go into recovery, but my keyboard wasn’t allowing me to choose! This went on for about an hour.  I asked God for help, and His wisdom.  I called a “geek” squad, and they told me to bring in the computer and for about one hundred dollars they’d try to recover and make an attempt to get in.  However, if that failed, they’d have to install windows from scratch, and I’d lose all of my info.  I knew that myself-that is why I wanted to see if there was a way to get in without the process of reinstalling a new window.

Anyhow, to make a long story short, I remembered I had another keyboard in my garage.  I went to retrieve it, connected the old keyboard, shut down the computer and lo and behold, I was able to choose safe mode and go into recovery default!!!  Hallelujah, and praise GOD!  He helped me again.

I felt His presence with me the entire time very strongly in fact. It was His wisdom that led me to all of the circumstances to figure this out.  And behold, it was done. So, Thank You God for fixing my computer!

Which brings me to the message for this post, no matter the circumstances, God is with us.”  He is with us and will never desert us. No matter how big or how small. Nothing is too big or too small for our God.

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” (Joshua 1:9 KJV)

The significance of His Spirit and His wisdom is what keeps us “going” in all that we undertake and oversee on a daily basis.  We should never believe “we do it on our own”–He empowers us with His presence from within and guides us through all aspects thereof.

So thank You Lord for once again being there…how absolutely amazing You are! I love you so much.

Computer giving you trouble? –No problem, call God, after all who do you think taught that computer geek?

The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And, if children, then heirs; heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together.  (Romans 8:16-17 KJV)

“Father, thank You for all You are and do, and thank You for Your guidance and strength, and Your wisdom and love that pours over me like a warm soothing balm, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”